A recent customer reported that their Macbook, though only a few years old, was starting to run slow and had some programs installed that they could not remove. Although, historically, the Mac has been better at not getting virus infections, malware infestations and nuisance adware type programs, that has changed recently. OSX is completely capable of getting infected either by a virus, malware, proxy redirect or just about any other issue a PC user would face.

In this case, it was only a program called MacKeeper. MacKeeper was installed intentionally but because a nuisance with pop-ups and constant alerts slowing down the computer and interrupting normal use. The user was unable to uninstall it and remove it from the computer. We were able shut down the program and get all signs of it removed along with a couple of other unnecessary programs.

While working on the laptop we let the user know that only a small amount of RAM was installed and that was a major source of their slowdown. We upgraded their ram to 8GB from 2GB and the laptop was working better than ever and had plenty of RAM to ensure that several programs and browser tabs running at the same time wouldn’t slow it down, any more.

If your Mac is being slowed down by unwanted programs that start up when you boot or you would just like it to be cleaned up give us a call. While we do the clean-up and optimization we can check the hardware to see if anything can be upgraded or needs to be replaced to make it run, even better.

If you have a PC and have QuickTime installed it’s time to get rid of it quick 🙂

Apple and the US government are telling customers with a Windows operating system that QuickTime is no longer being updated and has potential security issues that could let hackers into your computer.

Quicktime was used as a video player in the past but hasn’t had a major update on the Windows side since 2005. On the Mac side it’s last major update was in 2009 and Apple will continue to support it there.

Quicktime is still available for download as some users still need it for certain programs and activities but the vast majority of users haven’t used it in a long time and don’t need it anymore.

As of now, there aren’t any known cases of an infection through one of these vulnerabilities but it’s probably only a matter of time before they are exploited.

Quicktime can be removed through the normal Windows uninstall process but if you have any issues or aren’t quite sure how to do it please contact us. In most cases we can connect remotely and get it uninstalled in a very short time.

This picture is a composite of several of the so called “helper” programs installed on this PC that brought it performance to a crawl. These programs usually start off as a tag along to a “free” program such as a coupon printer or a YouTube downloader. These programs are usually free because they are subsidized by the extra programs.

Once you have one of these programs installed it will usually bother you with annoying pop-ups to upgrade, ads for other products and threatening screens that show that you computer is highly “un-optimized” and about to blow up!

The programs usually fall into a grey category of not quite being malware or a virus but as semi-legitimate software that is of very poor quality or just an add-on meant to display ads to generate revenue. Most removal software will list them under the PUP category. PUP stands for potentially unwanted program.

I have linked to a review of one of the backup programs that we see a lot in these cases. The software will actually back up your files but it’s very expensive, the data is unencrypted, and may not actually be there if you hard drive fails.

These programs can be removed but they can be stubborn and can cause damage to Windows on the way out the door. We have dealt with hundreds of these programs and are able to remove them and restore your computer back to working order.

If you have computer that is being overwhelmed by pop-ups and unwanted programs contact us today to setup an appointment.

This Toshiba laptop was infected with a viruses and malware making it unusable due to pop-ups and warnings from the fake security software. Once the laptop was booted it would immediately start with false security warnings offering help and services to clean up the infection. These phone numbers usually lead to overseas companies that will charge several hundred dollars to “help” you with your infection even though their software is causing the issues.

If your desktop of laptop is experiencing unusual pop-ups or ads warning you that you have been infected it’s probably correct but you don’t want to contact the scammer’s number listed to help you.

You may also see this infection in the form of programs installed on the desktop meant to update drivers, help you back up your files or optimize your PC. They are all designed to have you purchase a program or service to fix your computer.

Contact us and we can remove the infection and save your data and provide you with software to helpfully keep it from happening in the future.

We have removed hundreds or virus / malware / adware infections and can get you back up and running within a matter of days.

This computer was reported as having tons of pop-ups and issues even getting to a webpage. There were several unwanted programs installed to “backup” and “optimize” the computer that are really just nuisance programs. There was also a full on virus / malware infection causing lots of issues and rendering the computer practically useless.

We removed all traces of the virus / malware and repaired the damage done by infection. We also removed any unwanted programs, helpers and toolbars to make sure that the infection didn’t return. We performed all Windows and programs updates and driver updates, if needed.

If you are receiving pop-ups, toolbars are taking over your browser or programs are becoming too intrusive please contact us today so we can get your computer repaired and running better than ever.

This Acer Aspire Desktop was cleaned up inside and out. Fans and vents were clogged and damage was being done to components from overheating.

After the clean-up the computer ran smoother, faster, quieter, and safer than ever before. We also replaced a DVD drive that would not open and removed a serious virus infection that had rendered the computer unusable.

This customer’s Toshiba laptop was infected with a variation on the FBI / MoneyPak virus / malware. On boot-up the computer’s screen would be immediately taken over by a threat wanting $200 to be paid to release it. When it was in this state the computer was completely function-less. You could not do anything but view the warning.

We were able to remove the infection and save the customer data and computer. If you have this or any virus / malware or even if you suspect you might please give us a call.

We offer pick-up and drop-off service in Hendersonville, Arden, Flether, Asheville, and the surrounding areas.

Customer had a scareware virus/ malware infection that took over their computer and said they needed to pay $200 via a cash card. It said the FBI had shut down the computer due to copyright violations.

We were able to get the virus removed and the computer back up and running with no missing files or settings.

If you have this or any infection slowing your computer down, taking over your browser, or wanting your personal or bank information please give us a call. We service Hendersonville, Fletcher, Tryon, Mountain Home, Flat Rock, Arden, and Asheville area with on-site, personal, and timely service.

This PC hadn’t been cleaned for quite a while and it’s performance was suffering for it. I cleaned out the inside and allowed fresh, clean, cool air to flow through, cooling the PC and allowing it to function better for years to come. This computer’s software was as dirty as the inside. The Dell computer was bogged down and taken over with spyware and viruses. I removed all signs of them and updated all programs to prevent it in the future

The Asheville Computer Company can take care of all your Virus / Malware/ Spyware / Junkware removal needs. We have years of experience and hundreds of happy customers.

If you are in the Asheville / Flethcer / Arden / Hendersonville area please contact us today to setup an appointment.